Duterte back in Manila Monday

DAVAO CITY  , Philippines  —   President Duterte is holding office here for the rest of the week.

Duterte is scheduled to return to Malacañang on Monday next week for the first Cabinet meeting of 2018.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi was the first foreign dignitary who visited the President this year. 

Marsudi paid Duterte a courtesy call yesterday afternoon at the Malacañang of the South presidential guest house at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Barangay Panacan.

Duterte took time off to be with his family, especially his grandchildren on New Year’s Day. 

The President did not entertain visitors on Jan. 1 and 2.

Duterte also skipped his visit to the sick children at the Southern Philippines Medical Center and the gift-giving activity at his old house at Royal Valley in Barangay Bangkal amid security concerns.

Duterte also did away with the traditional vin d’honneur, an official reception to mark the New Year with the president, key government officials and members of the diplomatic corps at Malacañang.

Duterte held his first vin d’honneur on Jan. 11 last year.